Ixodes ricinus: the potential of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis as a tool for studying host-vector-pathogen interactions.

Full Abstract

Ixodes ricinus is a three-host tick, with three active instars. For moulting to occur the tick has to find a host where it can take a blood meal. Throughout feeding I. ricinus can be infected or infect the host with different pathogens, e.g., Tick-Borne Encephalitis virus or Borrelia burgdorferi. The host-vector-pathogen interaction is very complex, making a detailed study difficult. Here we analyse the potential of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) to study the host-vector-pathogen interaction. We examined 20 nymphs, which as larvae parasitised either mouse or hen. After moulting, they were kept alive for up to 30 weeks, to analyse whether tick ageing influenced host determination, and for comparison of the 2D-gels. Even though the number of proteins in the gel decreased during ageing, some proteins of the host determination persisted for all 30 weeks. We also discovered persisting proteins in relation to nymphs. These findings showed that 2DE is suitable as a tool for studying host-vector-pathogen interactions.

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Author information

Author/s: Vennestrøm, J (J); Jensen, P M (PM);

Affiliation: Department of Genetics and Microbiology, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg, Denmark. jvl(-atsign-)kvl.dk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Experimental parasitology (Exp Parasitol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Jan; vol 115 (issue 1) : pp 53-8

Dates: Created 2006/11/27; Completed 2007/01/08; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 16904668, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Actins - analysis
Animals
Arachnid Vectors - chemistry; physiology
Chickens
Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional
Female
Host-Parasite Interactions - physiology
Ixodes - chemistry; physiology

Ixodes - chemistry; physiology
Mice
Mice, Inbred BALB C
Proteins - analysis
Proteomics
Reproducibility of Results
Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
Tick Infestations - parasitology

Associated Chemicals: Actins (0) ; Proteins (0)

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